Luqata: pillars, announcement and rules

This first part of the chapter on the luqata (lost property) examines the status of lost property in the hands of the finder and the witnessing (ishhad) of the finding, returning it to the place of discovery, the case of one who finds but does not take, picking it up with the intention of misappropriation, and the reward (ju'la) offered for its return. It then sets out the rules of the announcement (ta'rif): its obligation according to the finder's intention, its duration, items of little value, whether it is immediate or deferred, and its place. The positions of the four schools are cited with their Quranic and prophetic evidence and classical references.

Parts of this section

• The status of lost property in the finder's hands and witnessing the finding
• Lost property in someone's hands whose owner offers a reward for its return